Costa Rica

The former southern-most province in the Spanish territory of New Spain is a Central American country of largely of European rather than mestizo descent. Since the late 19th century, only two brief periods of violence have marred its democratic development. Although still a largely agricultural country, it has achieved a relatively high standard of living. Land ownership is widespread and tourism is a rapidly expanding industry.

border countries: Nicaragua, Panama

related countries: Spain

Official Name:
República de Costa Rica
short form: Costa Rica
int'l long form: Republic of Costa Rica
int'l short form: Costa Rica

ISO Country Code: cr

Time:
Local Time = UTC -6h

Country Calling Code: +506

Capital City: San José (pop. 354 600, greater metropolitan area 2.1 million)

Other Cities:
Puntarenas (pop. 103 000), Limon (pop. 90 000)

Government:
Type: Democratic Republic
Independence: 15 September (1821 from Spain)
Constitution: 7 November 1949

Geography:
Location: Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea in the north-east and the North Pacific Ocean in the south-west, between Nicaragua and Panama
Terrain: Coastal plains separated by rugged mountains including over 100 volcanic cones, of which several are major volcanoes.

Climate: Tropical and subtropical; dry season (December to April); rainy season (May to November); cooler in highlands.

People:
Nationality: Costa Rican(s).
Population: 4.25 million.
Ethnic Groups: European and some mestizo 94%, African origin 3%, Chinese 1%, indigenous 1%, other 1%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 69%, Protestant approx. 18%, none 12%, others 1%.
Languages: Spanish, with a southwestern Caribbean Creole dialect of English spoken around the Limon area.
Literacy: 96%

Natural resources: Hydroelectric power, forest products, fisheries products.
Agriculture products: Coffee, pineapples, bananas, sugar, corn, rice, beans, potatoes; beef; timber.
Industries: Microprocessors, food processing, textiles and clothing, construction materials, fertilizer, plastic products.

Exports partners: USA 14.2%, Guatemala 3%, Nicaragua 2.7% (2003)
Imports partners: USA 23.2%, Mexico 4.7%, Venezuela 3.2% (2003)

Currency: Costa Rican Colon (CRC)